CHENNAI: Riding through the arterial stretch of the Madras-Tiruvallur (MTH) Road continues to be a scary experience for drivers, especially two wheeler riders, despite the widening of the stretch.
To curb the increasing vehicular traffic, the State Highways Authority has taken some steps to ensure that the encroachments along the road are razed to make way for vehicles.
This 22-km-long stretch from Padi to Thiruninravur ails with poor maintenance and rapid encroachment.
The overall condition of the road continues to be poor, giving bumpy rides to motorists.
R Sathya, who runs a tender coconut shop near the Chennai Bypass Road says, “Ten years earlier, there weren’t these many vehicles as we have today. Many a time accidents happen due to unfinished road work. For instance, the streetlight poles lying in the middle of the road.”
Stating that the authorities pay little attention towards maintaining the road, she adds, “The delay in road works is purely because of the lackadaisical approach of the authorities. This poses a great risk to motorists especially at night. Also, the uncovered portions on the road, dug up for the purpose of laying drainage pipes, drastically limit the road space.”
However, motorists and drivers who regularly evade the traffic regulations by jumping red lights and driving on the wrong side of the road, are also to be blamed for the accidents, apart from unruly bus and truck drivers, creating edgy moments for fellow motorists.